A panoramic view from Castle Hill. Castle Hill is an important site for wildlife within easy walking distance of Shaftesbury town centre. A variety of habitats including grassy slopes, wetland areas and well developed woodland. Over 130 types of plant occur here and 40 bird species have been recorded. A range of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies can also be seen. The north facing slopes look out across Dorset to the Somerset and Wiltshire border, with views of King Alfred's Tower and the long wooded line of Penselwood Ridge. On a clear day Glastonbury Tor is visible in the west. Castle Hill was once part of Shaftesbury Abbey and gets its name from a Saxon fort that is a Scheduled Ancient Monument present on the site.

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